JOHNATHON HOLMES (he/him)
I took my first yoga class on a whim. Not knowing what I was getting myself into, I signed up for a 2-hour Iyengar class at my gym; three blankets, two blocks, and one strap later, I fell in love. Yoga asked me to move in a way that was completely foreign and I left class that evening eager for more. The benefits of the yoga practice were immediate, and it was clear that a profound internal shift had taken place.
I completed my 200-hour teacher training with the Boston Yoga School, directed by Ame Wren. Since that time, I have completed a 75-hr Advanced Training with Schuyler Grant and Nikki Vilella (Kula Yoga Project), and am currently studying with and completing an Advanced Teacher Training with Threes Physiyoga. Linking breath and movement seems so simple, yet has such a profound effect when practiced with purpose. As a Nurse Practitioner, I’m also interested in how the regular practice of yoga can help my students cultivate physical, emotional, and spiritual health. My class is an expression of my love for playfulness and structure.
As a Queer POC, I aim to hold space that is inclusive, affirming, and accessible for students of all skill levels wishing to practice in a way that cultivates deeper self-awareness through focusing the attention on the body and breath. I believe the simplest practices can be the most transformative, growing our ability to pause and respond, rather than react.
What You Can Expect From My Classes:
My class is a reflection of how I like to practice (with some Yin and Restorative poses frequently sprinkled in): slow-paced and sometimes spicy, utilizing focus on the breath and physical body to promote a quiet mind. Moving our bodies is so important, especially in our sedentary culture - my class offers you a space to come as you are, wring out stagnant energy, find your strength, rest deeply and hopefully laugh. I think the right playlist can add so much to a class, so I will often use music to enhance our practice. I also offer hands-on assists throughout practice for anyone who is comfortable with them; if you'd prefer no assists, that's fine too! My genuine hope is that you'll walk out of the room feeling better than when you entered; ready to tackle life off of the mat.